AthlonSports.com - Pittsburgh Pirateshttp://athlonsports.com/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates
en2013 MLB Pennant Races: A to Zhttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/2013-mlb-pennant-fever-z
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">From A to Z, here are the keys to the 2013 MLB pennant races.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Pedro Alvarez</strong></span></p><p>Maybe the third baseman was rushed through the Pirates&rsquo; system, or maybe he&rsquo;s been a little slow to develop, but the Pirates have been rewarded for their patience with the young slugger. The second overall pick in 2008 is tied for the NL lead in homers and is fourth in RBIs. If the Bucs can hang on and win the NL Central, Alvarez will be a key component.</p><p><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Clay Buchholz</strong></span><br />The Boston righthander was 9-0 through his first 12 starts. But a neck strain and bursa sac inflammation have sidelined him since June 8. Boston&rsquo;s chances increase dramatically with a healthy Buchholz in the rotation for the playoffs.<br /><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/39409-1/CabreraM_300.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 261px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 6px; float: right;" /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Miguel Cabrera</strong></span><br />The best hitter on the planet in the middle of the lineup for the Tigers is the No. 1 factor in how far Detroit can advance this season. The Tigers need Miggy completely healthy in order to make a deep run in the playoffs.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Drama (lack of)</strong></span><br />The only drama in the NL may be which of the three NL Central teams &mdash; the Pirates, Cardinals or Reds &mdash; will win the division and which two will be left to play in the wild-card game.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Experience</strong></span><br />There is very little postseason experience &mdash; and even less proven success &mdash; among NL starting pitchers likely to earn starts this October. A.J. Burnett of the Pirates has the most starts (7, all with the Yankees) and a 5.87 ERA. The Braves&rsquo; starters have one start in the postseason combined. The only two starters with postseason success are Adam Wainwright of St. Louis, with four starts and four saves in the playoffs and a 2.48 ERA over 32.2 innings; and the Reds&rsquo; Mike Leake, who had a terrific start last season against the Giants.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Prince Fielder</strong></span><br />Opponents may choose to pitch around Cabrera, leaving Fielder as the focal point of Detroit&rsquo;s lineup. The big man struggled at a .173 clip in the postseason last year with only one extra-base hit. He&rsquo;s been a valuable protector for Cabrera in the regular season, but how he performs in the playoffs could determine the Tigers&rsquo; fate.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Jason Grilli</strong></span><br />The Pirates&rsquo; closer was almost perfect for the first three months of the season, but his injury has forced Pittsburgh to shuffle its bullpen. So far, there have been few problems as Mark Melancon, Justin Wilson, Tony Watson and Vin Mazzaro have taken up the slack. But the Pirates have a much better shot at winning the NL Central with their closer healthy. He&rsquo;s beginning to make a few rehab appearances in the minor leagues, hopeful that he can return to Pittsburgh by mid-September.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Jason Heyward</strong></span><br />The Braves&rsquo; offense took off when Heyward was moved to the leadoff spot, and Atlanta has been one of the hottest teams in baseball since. But Heyward was hit in the face with a pitch on Aug. 21, causing him to be out until late in the season. His healthy return will be critical for the Braves once the playoffs begin.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Jose Iglesias</strong></span><br />In one of the most significant trades at the deadline, the Tigers acquired Iglesias from the Red Sox anticipating the suspension of shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Iglesias will not provide pop to match Peralta, but his defense is terrific.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Kenley Jansen</strong></span><br />The Dodgers&rsquo; starting pitching has been terrific, and the lineup has been hitting on all cylinders. If there is an Achilles heel for Los Angeles, it would be the bullpen. Jansen closed just 78 percent of his opportunities last season, and allowed 33 percent of inherited runners to score. He&rsquo;s been much better this season, however, closing 88 percent of his opportunities and allowing just 14 percent of inherited runners to cross the plate.<br /><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/41341-1/Kershaw300.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 267px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 6px; float: right;" /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Clayton Kershaw</strong></span><br />The most dominant pitcher in the majors this season must continue to confound hitters in the playoffs. The lefty carries a career 5.87 ERA in the postseason, and he needs to be the shutdown ace in order for the Dodgers to win a series &mdash; or more.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Francisco Liriano</strong></span><br />Throughout his career, there has been little doubt as to Liriano&rsquo;s immense talent. But his inconsistency has confounded pitching coaches over the years. Right now, he&rsquo;s the Pirates&rsquo; ace, but if he falters, the Pirates&rsquo; dream of postseason success could fade with him.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Wil Myers</strong></span><br />Myers has anchored the Rays&rsquo; lineup from the cleanup spot. Since early July, he&rsquo;s batting .339, and when he drives in a run, the Rays are 17-5. When he doesn&rsquo;t have an RBI, the team is 18-22 (in games he plays).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Joe Nathan</strong></span><br />When the Rangers were at their best earlier this season, the bullpen was terrific. The closer didn&rsquo;t blow his first save until May 26 after he had successfully closed 16. He now has 38 saves in 40 chances. But he&rsquo;s walked 10 in his last 13 innings and is showing signs of wearing down. Texas doesn&rsquo;t need a tired Nathan.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>David Ortiz</strong></span><br />Boston&rsquo;s rebound from last season&rsquo;s debacle has been remarkable. And Ortiz has been right in the middle of the turnaround. He leads the team in batting average, slugging, on-base percentage, home runs and RBIs. Yeah, he&rsquo;s sort of a key to the Red Sox hopes.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/39940-2/Yasiel_Puig.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 269px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 6px; float: right;" />Yasiel Puig</strong></span><br />Puig&rsquo;s energy and all-out style are fun to watch, yet can be exasperating for his manager because of careless mistakes and spotty concentration. But when he&rsquo;s on his game, he is a scary figure in the batter&rsquo;s box. The Dodgers need him to be on.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Quality Starts</strong></span><br />While the official Quality Start statistic is among the most meaningless, it is critical that teams&rsquo; starting pitching get deep into games to save bullpen arms down the stretch. As we saw two years ago in Atlanta, tired bullpens can be disasters late in the season.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Replay</strong></span><br />Anything baseball can do to ensure that the right calls are made is welcome.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Suspensions</strong></span><br />The Rangers&rsquo; best run producer (at the time of his suspension), Nelson Cruz, is currently suspended, as is shortstop Jhonny Peralta of Detroit. The Tigers reacted well and added shortstop Jose Iglesias, improving their defense. Texas has managed to improve its offensive numbers without Cruz, but the lineup is not nearly as intimidating with the right fielder missing.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Twins</strong></span><br />I know the Twins&rsquo; elimination number is less than 20 with almost a month to play. But no team will have more say in more pennant races than the Twins. Minnesota has seven games against the A&rsquo;s and the Rays visit Target Field for three. The Twins will spend the final week hosting the Tigers (3) and the Indians (4).<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Koji Uehara</strong></span><br />Since becoming the team&rsquo;s full-time closer in late June, Boston&rsquo;s Uehara is 3-0 with 15 saves in 17 chances with an 0.29 ERA. He has 41 Ks and has allowed just 10 hits and two walks. With the health and stability questions surrounding Boston&rsquo;s rotation, it&rsquo;s critical that Uehara is sharp at the back end of the bullpen.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Justin Verlander</strong></span><br />Max Scherzer is getting most of the attention in Detroit (and rightfully so) with his 19-1 record. But the horse manager Jim Leyland will lean on in the postseason is Verlander.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Ron Washington</strong></span><br />He&rsquo;s been there before. Twice in fact. He&rsquo;s been to within a strike of winning the World Series. Twice in fact. Last season ended too soon for the Rangers&rsquo; manager, and he is determined to have his troops ready for October. Not letting the AL West title slip away like last season is the first order of business.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Xander Bogaerts</strong></span><br />Boston called up its top prospect in mid-August, and he will be a key for the Red Sox. Shortstop Stephen Drew is batting under .250, and the Sox need an offensive spark from the position. Bogaerts has made three starts at shortstop and two at third. He&rsquo;s hitting .316 but has just one extra-base hit.<br /><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/38323-1/MolinaY_300.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 261px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 6px; float: right;" /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Yadi</strong></span><br />In St. Louis, fans know him by one name. The off-the-charts defensive catcher has proven to be one of the best hitters in the NL this season. Certain to receive serious MVP consideration, Yadier Molina is the most indispensable position player in the pennant race. The Cardinals can ill-afford for him to miss a beat.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Ben Zobrist</strong></span><br />One of the best defensive second basemen in the big leagues, Zobrist has also made starts in left, right and short. He&rsquo;s also hit in each of the first five spots in the batting order. He is the heart and soul of the Rays&rsquo; lineup.<br /><br />&nbsp;</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/detroit-tigers">Detroit Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/cincinnati-reds">Cincinnati Reds</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/st-louis-cardinals">St. Louis Cardinals</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/tampa-bay-rays">Tampa Bay Rays</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/los-angeles-dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/texas-rangers">Texas Rangers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/atlanta-braves">Atlanta Braves</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/minnesota-twins">Minnesota Twins</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-65 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/pedro-alvarez">Pedro Alvarez</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/clay-buchholz">Clay Buchholz</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/miguel-cabrera">Miguel Cabrera</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/prince-fielder">Prince Fielder</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jason-grilli">Jason Grilli</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jason-heyward">Jason Heyward</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jose-iglesias">Jose Iglesias</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/kenley-jansen">Kenley Jansen</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/clayton-kershaw">Clayton Kershaw</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/francisco-liriano">Francisco Liriano</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/wil-myers">Wil Myers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/joe-nathan">Joe Nathan</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/david-ortiz">David Ortiz</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/yasiel-puig">Yasiel Puig</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/nelson-cruz">Nelson Cruz</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jhonny-peralta">Jhonny Peralta</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/koji-uehara">Koji Uehara</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/justin-verlander">Justin Verlander</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/ron-washington">Ron Washington</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/xander-bogaerts">Xander Bogaerts</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/yadier-molina">Yadier Molina</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/ben-zobrist">Ben Zobrist</a></div></div></div>Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:03:03 +0000Charlie Miller26520 at http://athlonsports.com2013 MLB Trade Deadline: Winners and Losershttp://athlonsports.com/2013-mlb-trade-deadline-winers-and-losers
<div class="field field-name-field-teaser field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Last season the most impactful trades didn’t seem that impressive when they were announced. But the additions of Hunter Pence and Marco Scutaro by San Francisco shifted the balance of power toward the Giants in the NL West and eventually led to a World Series championship. Often it’s the little things that seem to matter most, like solid defense, eating innings and clubhouse unity.
The frenzy at the trade deadline last Wednesday never really materialized, but there were a handful of significant trades over the past few weeks that could affect the 2013 pennant races.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <p>Last season the most impactful trades didn&rsquo;t seem that impressive when they were announced. But the additions of Hunter Pence and Marco Scutaro by San Francisco shifted the balance of power toward the Giants in the NL West and eventually led to a World Series championship. Often it&rsquo;s the little things that seem to matter most, like solid defense, eating innings and clubhouse unity.<br /><br />The frenzy at the trade deadline last Wednesday never really materialized, but there were a handful of significant trades over the past few weeks that could affect the 2013 pennant races.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:20px;"><img alt="" src="http://images.athlonsports.com/d/40578-1/PeavyJ300.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 450px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 6px; float: right;" />Winners</span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Boston Red Sox</strong></span><br />The Sox weren&rsquo;t shy about giving up some prospects, but were steadfast in holding on to rising star Xander Bogaerts, a 20-year-old shortstop expected to contribute next season. Boston acquired a major addition to the rotation with Jake Peavy. The former Cy Young winner usually keeps his teams in games and logs innings, taking pressure off the bullpen.&nbsp; He has some health questions, and the likelihood that he could miss some starts is higher than the Sox would like. But if he makes 10 starts for Boston, the Red Sox are much more likely to fend off Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Matt Thornton, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a separate deal, deepens the Red Sox bullpen.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Detroit Tigers</strong></span><br />With the impending suspension of shortstop Jhonny Peralta, the Tigers took a preemptive strike in trading for Jose Iglesias from Boston. The defensive whiz will immediately upgrade the Tigers&rsquo; defense up the middle, and the former Cuban star hasn&rsquo;t been too shabby with the bat. Detroit has enough offense to withstand the loss of Peralta&rsquo;s bat, and Iglesias improves the defense. Avisail Garcia is a rising star, but the Tigers need to ensure their position in the playoffs this season, so this deal makes a ton of sense. Other than the Peralta potential situation, the Tigers&rsquo; glaring need all season has been bullpen help. Problem solved with the addition of Jose Veras from Houston. Veras has been the lone bright spot in Houston this season with 19 saves.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong></span><br />Like their brethren on the South Side, the Cubs aren&rsquo;t expecting to seriously contend this season or next. So the Cubs are building their farm system with an eye toward sustaining success through the second half of this decade. The Cubs&rsquo; return for Scott Feldman and Matt Garza brought good value for the future, and they were able to unload Carlos Marmol and Alfonso Soriano.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Chicago White Sox</strong></span><br />Clearly the White Sox are not going anywhere in 2013, and with an aging roster and the rise of Cleveland and Kansas City, even 2014 may not hold high hopes. So stocking the system with players like Garcia, who should be immediately useful in the big leagues, and prospects Francelis Montas, a 20-year-old flamethrower, J.B. Wendelken, another highly touted pitcher, and infielder Cleuluis Rondon, the White Sox have a brighter future than they did a few days ago. Brandon Jacobs was acquired from Boston in the Thornton deal earlier.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>Losers</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Arizona Diamondbacks</strong></span><br />The season is quickly slipping away from the D-Men. I had the Diamondbacks in the Jake Peavy pool, so that didn&rsquo;t work out too well. The pitching staff is not too bad, especially if Trevor Cahill can come back and be productive soon. Left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher was acquired from San Diego along with minor leaguer Matt Stites, a closer at Double-A, for Ian Kennedy. While this helps the bullpen, offensively the D-backs need lots of help. Paul Goldschmidt has twice as many homers and RBIs as any teammate. He must have some help. Arizona did not improve its roster enough to come back and catch the Dodgers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Baltimore Orioles</strong></span><br />The acquisitions of Scott Feldman and Bud Norris boost the rotation, and Francisco Rodriguez adds experienced depth to the bullpen, but the club really could use some pop at DH and protection for Chris Davis. The Orioles are 0-for-11 after an intentional walk to Davis, and don&rsquo;t think teams don&rsquo;t notice trends like that. The slugger will be avoided more and more as the season goes along. If rookie Henry Urrutia can fill that role as DH/Davis protector, then the Orioles will have played their hand well. If not, Buck Showlater will be left wishing he had a few more weapons in his arsenal.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Texas Rangers</strong></span><br />Reports that the Rangers were willing to listen on any player speak to how desperate the team is to improve its offense, especially in light of the impending suspension of right fielder and best run producer Nelson Cruz. The team&#39;s slugging percentage dropped to .362 in June. The acquisition of Matt Garza gives the Rangers a respectable 1-2-3 punch with Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Garza. But the Rangers need offense badly, and that&rsquo;s with Cruz in the lineup.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>Pittsburgh Pirates</strong></span><br />With Andrew McCutchen warming up and Pedro Alvarez finally becoming the power threat the Pirates envisioned when they made him the No. 2 overall selection in 2006, the offense is not bad. But for the season the Bucs are batting just .243 with a .390 slugging percentage. A hitter like Justin Morneau or even Marlon Byrd could have been helpful. But the biggest problem could be the bullpen. Clint Hurdle&rsquo;s plan was working perfectly with Mark Melancon setting up closer Jason Grilli, who was near perfect. But with Grilli out for what could be an extended time, all the roles have shifted and Pittsburgh may begin to let a few close games slip away without additional help.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>New York Yankees</strong></span><br />With the Orioles adding two starting pitchers and Francisco Rodriguez, the Red Sox bolstering their rotation and even the Rays strengthening their bullpen, the Yankees didn&rsquo;t do much to address some dire needs. Yes, bringing Alfonso Soriano back was a positive step, but there was nothing done to beef up the pitching staff or find a right-handed hitting first baseman, to say nothing of the gaping hole at third base. The Yankees have gotten just five home runs from the hot corner this season, or the same number the Cubs have gotten from their pitching staff.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/detroit-tigers">Detroit Tigers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/baltimore-orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/chicago-cubs">Chicago Cubs</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/chicago-white-sox">Chicago White Sox</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/arizona-diamondbacks">Arizona Diamondbacks</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/texas-rangers">Texas Rangers</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/new-york-yankees">New York Yankees</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-65 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Players:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jake-peavy">Jake Peavy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jose-iglesias">Jose Iglesias</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jhonny-peralta">Jhonny Peralta</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jose-veras">Jose Veras</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/alfonso-soriano">Alfonso Soriano</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/matt-garza">Matt Garza</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/scott-feldman">Scott Feldman</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/chris-davis">Chris Davis</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/ian-kennedy">Ian Kennedy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/nelson-cruz">Nelson Cruz</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-players/andrew-mccutchen">Andrew McCutchen</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-players/jason-grilli">Jason Grilli</a></div></div></div>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:40:22 +0000Charlie Miller25180 at http://athlonsports.comBucs 2B Walker loses arbitration hearinghttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/bucs-2b-walker-loses-arbitration-hearing
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker lost his arbitration case, but will still make some decent money for the 2015 season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Saturday that Walker had filed for arbitration at $9 million for next season while the club was pushing for $8 million, and an MLB panel used to resolve these disputes elected to go with the lower figure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Walker, who made $5.75 million last season, finished with a .271 average along with a career-high 23 home runs, 25 doubles and 76 RBI over 137 games for the wild-card entrant Pirates.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over a six-year career spent entirely with his hometown team, the 29-year-old Walker has collected 77 homers, 142 doubles, 336 runs scored and 347 RBI with a .273 average over 685 games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22998983-WALKER-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Sun, 08 Feb 2015 05:00:01 +0000The Sports Network97698 at http://athlonsports.comPirates acquire Caminero from Marlinshttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/pirates-acquire-caminero-marlins
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired right-handed pitcher Arquimedes Caminero from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Caminero went 4-1 with 10 saves, a 4.86 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 42 relief appearances with Triple-A New Orleans in 2014. He also made six relief appearances with the Marlins last season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 27-year-old Caminero made his MLB debut with the Marlins during the 2013 season and posted a 2.77 ERA in 13 games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22970132-CAMINERO-PIT-MIA</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/miami-marlins">Miami Marlins</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Thu, 05 Feb 2015 05:00:01 +0000The Sports Network97572 at http://athlonsports.comPirates acquire Lombardozzi from O'shttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/pirates-acquire-lombardozzi-os
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired infielder Steve Lombardozzi from the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lombardozzi, 26, spent the majority of the 2014 season playing for Baltimore's Triple-A club in Norfolk, hitting .270 over 78 games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The switch-hitter batted .264 with five home runs and 50 RBI in 257 games with the Washington Nationals from 2011-13.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22963355-LOMBARDOZZI-PIT-BAL</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/baltimore-orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Wed, 04 Feb 2015 05:00:01 +0000The Sports Network97496 at http://athlonsports.comOrioles acquire OF Snider from Pirateshttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/orioles-acquire-snider-pirates
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Baltimore, MD (SportsNetwork.com) - The Baltimore Orioles acquired outfielder Travis Snider from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pirates received minor league pitcher Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Snider batted .264 with 13 home runs and a career-high 38 RBI over 140 games for the Pirates last season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 26-year-old owns a career average of .246 with 50 home runs and 184 RBI in 543 games across seven seasons with the Pirates and Blue Jays.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tarpley, a third-round pick of Baltimore in the 2013 MLB Draft, was 3-5 with a 3.68 ERA at Class-A Aberdeen last season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To make room for Snider on the 40-man roster, Baltimore designated catcher Michael Ohlman for assignment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22904732-SNIDER-BAL-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/baltimore-orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Wed, 28 Jan 2015 05:00:02 +0000The Sports Network97068 at http://athlonsports.comSteelers sign Tate as contingency planhttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/steelers-sign-tate-contingency-plan
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Faced with the possibility of being without starting running back Le'Veon Bell for Saturday's AFC wild card matchup with the Ravens, the Steelers added oft-traveled Ben Tate on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tate has already been cut twice this season after being signed by the Browns in the offseason. Cleveland waived him in mid-November, and the RB-needy Vikings quickly picked him up. After playing sparingly in three games, Tate was let go prior to Minnesota's season finale.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 11 games this season, Tate rushed for 371 yards and four touchdowns on 119 carries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To make room on the roster, the Steelers released wide receiver Justin Brown.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22652446-TATE-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 05:00:02 +0000The Sports Network94174 at http://athlonsports.comTomlin unsure of Bell's status for Saturdayhttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/tomlin-unsure-bells-status-saturday
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he was unsure if running back Le'Veon Bell would be available for Saturday's AFC wild card matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bell suffered a right knee injury in the season-finale against Cincinnati. Tomlin, as he did on Sunday night, said the knee was hyperextended and added that there was no structural damage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"There is pain and soreness and discomfort associated with it," said Tomlin on Tuesday. "We're going to take it day-by-day. I met with him just moments ago, and he was in the training room on the stationary bike and riding like he was training for the Tour de France."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bell was hurt in the third quarter of the 27-17 victory over the Bengals after taking a helmet to the knee from Cincinnati safety Reggie Nelson. He ran for just 20 yards on eight carries and caught six passes for 80 yards before exiting the contest.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We're going to make the right decision," Tomlin added Tuesday. "We won't be swayed by circumstance -- the magnitude of the game and so forth. If he's healthy and able to protect himself and can be a positive contributor to our efforts, we'll play him. If we can't answer 'yes' to all of those questions and then some, we won't. It's just that simple."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bell finished the season as the NFL's second-leading rusher with 1,361 yards.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I don't know whether or not he's going to be available for the game," Tomlin continued. "We are going to make alternate plans if he doesn't, but we'll leave the light on for him."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Steelers brought in running back Ben Tate on Tuesday for insurance. Tate spent time with both Cleveland and Minnesota this season.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22652355-BELL-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 05:00:02 +0000The Sports Network94173 at http://athlonsports.comPirates win bidding process on SS Kanghttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/pirates-win-bidding-process-ss-kang
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates submitted the highest bid for the negotiating rights to Korean shortstop Jung Ho Kang.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pirates now have 30 days to try and work out a contract with Kang.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kang, 27, hit .356 with 40 home runs and 117 RBI over 117 games last season for the Nexen Heroes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22591928-KANG-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:00:01 +0000The Sports Network93344 at http://athlonsports.comPirates sign Corey Harthttp://athlonsports.com/mlb/pirates-sign-corey-hart
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed first baseman/outfielder Corey Hart to a one-year contract.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Financial terms were not disclosed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Hart played 68 games for Seattle last year after missing the 2013 season recovering from knee surgery. He hit just .203 with six homers and 21 runs batted in for the Mariners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 32-year-old veteran spent his first nine big league seasons with NL Central rival Milwaukee and has a career .271 average with 160 homers and 529 RBI in 1,013 games. His best season was 2010, when he belted 31 home runs and knocked in 102 runs for the Brewers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated right-handed pitcher Preston Guilmet for assignment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-orig-doc-id field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Original Document:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">xt.22556373-HART-PIT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-display-section field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Display Section:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/section/mlb">MLB</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-64 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">MLB Teams:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/category/mlb-teams/pittsburgh-pirates">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></div></div></div>Sat, 20 Dec 2014 05:00:02 +0000The Sports Network93033 at http://athlonsports.com